Budget plans

These plans are cheaper than so-called comprehensive policies but exclude some conditions and outpatient treatment, which many people value and where there are often long NHS waiting lists.

High excess policies

A number of health insurers such as Standard Life and WPA offer plans that have excesses of up to £5,000. This considerably reduces the cost of cover - but you need to have sufficient in savings to make them viable.

Take advice

There are many plans on the market and it is not easy to select the right one for your needs. For the name of an independent health specialist broker in your area, contact the Association of Medical Insurance Intermediaries on 0800 056 0839.

Consider pay-as-you-go

If you have large amounts of savings, you may want to ringfence some of this for private health care. Hospital groups such as Nuffield and BUPA have set tariffs and you can compare these if and when you need treatment.

Buy through work

If your company offers private medical insurance as part of a so-called flexible benefits scheme, take this up - it will be far cheaper then paying for cover on your own.